It’s no secret that drinking the recommended amount of water every day is essential for your body, with advantages spanning from assisting in your digestion to helping keep your skin clear. But did you know that hydration also plays a vital role in your oral health?
Beyond the myriad other health benefits of drinking water, staying hydrated helps protect your teeth and gums in ways you may not be aware of or expect. Whether you’re sipping on water between meals or reaching for a refill during your workout, every gulp is working behind the scenes to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright.
How Drinking Water Helps Keep Your Mouth Healthy
Benefit #1 It Boosts Saliva Production
Saliva is one of your mouth’s best natural defenses. It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids that harm teeth, and support the remineralization of tooth enamel. When you’re dehydrated, your body produces less saliva, leaving bacteria sitting on your teeth and making them more vulnerable to damage and decay. Drinking water throughout the day helps maintain balanced saliva levels, making it easier for it to do its job.
Benefit #2 It Neutralizes Acids
After you eat or drink, harmful acids can stay on your teeth, gradually eroding the enamel. Water helps neutralize these acids, reducing the risk of cavities and discomfort caused by tooth sensitivity. Sipping water between meals, especially after eating acidic foods (like tomatoes or citrus) or drinking acidic beverages (like coffee or soda), helps protect your enamel from long-term damage.
Benefit #3 It Rinses Away Debris
Everything you eat leaves behind small bits of debris that can feed decay-causing bacteria and contribute to the buildup of plaque. Drinking water after you eat helps gently flush away food particles and residue, especially when brushing isn’t possible. Making sure you take a swig of water after meals and snacks is easy and can make a big difference in keeping your mouth cleaner between brushings.
Benefit #4 It Combats Bad Breath
Mouth dryness and bacteria that linger on your teeth and tongue are common culprits of bad breath. As mentioned above, staying hydrated helps your mouth produce sufficient saliva, which in turn allows it to wash away odor-causing bacteria and maintain a fresher, cleaner feeling throughout the day.
Protect Your Oral Health With Hydration
The benefits of hydration can keep your body healthy, and now you know how water can boost your oral health. Combined with a consistent dental hygiene routine and regular dental checkups, you’re on track to keep your mouth fresh, healthy, and protected.
